Structure Name: Hylton Castle

Description:
 

Rectangular gatehouse tower standing three storeys tall, with octagonal turrets on the southern corners separated by machiolated parapets, and a projecting central section on the main front. The interior is largely destroyed and roofless. Until the mid 19th century the tower was flanked by wings.
 

Extant: Yes

Location: Hylton Castle, SUNDERLAND

Eastings: 435780m (view map)

Northings: 558790m (view map)

Position Accuracy: 20m

Positional Confidence: Absolute Certainty

Street Address
 

Craigavon Road
 

Structure Types Identified: CASTLE, COUNTRY HOUSE, TOWER HOUSE

Historical Background
 

Although called a gatehouse in 1448, the original Hylton Castle was a small castle fitted perfectly into the rectangular block. After John Hylton's alterations the castle was the central element of a country house. The castle was sold by the Hyltons in 1746, and was saved by Simon Temple in the early 19th century. In 1863 William Briggs of Sunderland had the house remodelled again, removing the wings and returning the castle to a reasonable semblance of William Hylton's residence.
 

Chronology:

• 1390 - 1400   Tower House built c.1400 for Sir William Hylton.
      Entities Involved:
            Sir William Hylton: Commissioned works.
• EARLY 18TH CENTURY   Extensive alterations carried out by John Hylton including: window alterations, adding a north wing and reconstructing the interior. Later a south wing was added by John Hylton's son (also called John).
      Entities Involved:
            Hylton, John: Commissioned works.
• 1860s   Alterations carried out by William Briggs including demolishing the wings and alterations to the main entrance, windows and the interior.
      Entities Involved:
            Briggs, William: Commisioned works.
• MID 20TH CENTURY   Shell restored and consolidated by the Ministry of Works.
      Entities Involved:
            Ministry of Works (Office of Works): Carried out works.

References:

• Images of England
• Pevsner, N. and Williamson, E. (1985) The Buildings of England: County Durham. 2nd ed., London, Yale University Press, pp.470-473
• Tyne and Wear SMR

The information displayed in this page has been derived from authoritative sources, including any referenced above. Although substantial efforts were made to verify this information, the SINE project cannot guarantee its correctness or completeness.

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